master

/'mɑ:stə/

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The word "master" can be used in different ways in English, and it has several meanings depending on the context. Let’s break it down for easier understanding.

As a Noun:

1. Authority/Expert: A "master" can refer to someone who is highly skilled in a particular area, like an artist or musician. For example, "He is a master of the violin."
2. Teacher: It can also mean a teacher, especially someone who is in charge of training apprentices. For example, "The master taught the young apprentices how to carve wood."
3. Degree: In education, a "master" can refer to someone who has a master's degree, which is a level of education beyond a bachelor's degree. For example, "She holds a master's in business administration."
4. Ship Captain: In maritime terms, a "master" is the captain of a ship who is licensed to command it. For example, "The master of the ship navigated through the storm."
5. Original Creation: A "master" can refer to an original version of a recording from which copies are made, like a song or film. For example, "The studio released a new version of the song from the original master."
6. Person in Charge: It can also mean someone who has control or authority over others. For example, "He was the master of the household."

As a Verb:

1. To Control: To "master" something means to have a firm understanding or control over it. For example, "She mastered the piano after years of practice."
2. To Overcome: It can also mean to overcome challenges or difficulties. For example, "He mastered his fear of public speaking."
3. To Become Proficient: It means to become very skilled at something. For example, "She mastered Japanese in less than two years."

As an Adjective:

1. Main or Most Important: When used as an adjective, "master" can mean the most important or chief. For example, "The master plan outlines the main goals of the project."

Synonyms:

• For noun meanings: expert, teacher, authority, mastermind, champion.
• For verb meanings: conquer, control, overcome, succeed.

Phrasal Verbs:

• Master up: To gain control over something.
  • Example: "She had to master up her courage to speak in front of the class."

Idioms:

• Master of one's own fate: This means to be in control of your own life and decisions.
  • Example: "He believes that he is the master of his own fate."

Advanced Usage:

In more formal contexts, "master" can refer to historical or professional titles, such as "Master of Arts" or "Master of Science." It can also be used in discussions about mastery as a concept in psychology or education, focusing on the process of achieving high levels of skill or understanding.

Different Meanings:

• In some contexts, "master" may have negative connotations, referring to someone who has power over others in an oppressive way. It's important to be sensitive to the context in which it is used.

Conclusion:

The word "master" is versatile and can be used in various contexts, from describing a person's skill or authority to indicating control over a situation or concept.

Academic

Adjective

1. most important element
   • the chief aim of living
   • the main doors were of solid glass
   • the principal rivers of America
   • the principal example
   • policemen were primary targets
   • the master bedroom
   • a master switch

Noun

1. key that secures entrance everywhere
2. an authority qualified to teach apprentices
3. someone who holds a master's degree from academic institution
4. an officer who is licensed to command a merchant ship
5. an original creation (i.e., an audio recording) from which copies can be made
6. presiding officer of a school
7. directs the work of others
8. a combatant who is able to defeat rivals
9. a person who has general authority over others
10. an artist of consummate skill
    • a master of the violin
    • one of the old masters

Verb

1. have a firm understanding or knowledge of; be on top of
   • Do you control these data?
2. have dominance or the power to defeat over
   • Her pain completely mastered her
   • The methods can master the problems
3. get on top of; deal with successfully
   • He overcame his shyness
4. be or become completely proficient or skilled in
   • She mastered Japanese in less than two years

Synonyms

• chief
• main
• primary
• principal
• master
• passkey
• passe-partout
• master key
• professional
• captain
• sea captain
• skipper
• master copy
• original
• headmaster
• schoolmaster
• victor
• superior
• overlord
• lord
• maestro
• control
• dominate
• overcome
• get over
• subdue